Wow, it;s a while since I've updated this. All my exams are over now so I'm getting back into writing again. Hope you all enjoy these.

One

Rusty knows all about Danny's scars. He can identify them, categorise them all by event, pain and date. From the knife mark on Danny's arm to the cigarette burn on his chest, Rusty's been with him all the way.

Danny prides himself on knowing all of Rusty's too. But there's some new ones; a burn on his back, a small, neat incision just below his blond hairline. Anger creeps its way into his mind, first at Rusty for not telling him, then at himself for not being there. Then at the ones who hurt Rusty. They're the ones who'll pay.

Two

The noise of the thunder woke him and, as he turned over to get more comfortable, he saw him. He'd always thought Rusty wasn't afraid of anything. Now, he realised he was wrong. Pale and wide eyed, Rusty was sat up in bed trying to keep as still as possible. Wordlessly, Danny stood up and closed the distance between them.

Rusty moved closer, relaxing a little, knowing that, tomorrow, no words would be said and he could go on pretending to be fearless. He managed to sleep that night, for the first time during a thunderstorm. Because he was safe.

Three

It started slowly, with not so hidden looks with hidden meanings. No-one suspected anything because the looks had always been there. Then it was touches, a hand on an arm for a little longer than it would have been before. No-one guessed because they'd always been clingy with each other. Then it got bigger. The pretend holidays became real holidays, not covers for jobs. They spent their time in hotel rooms, where they didn't have to hide. Eventually, things had to change again. So it seemed natural to them when they kissed, long and passionately, at the Caldwell's anniversary party.

Four

Rusty doesn't have to ask to know that something's up; Danny hasn't even taken the time to make sure his shirt looks just a little crumpled. And then Danny gives him that look. The looks that apologises for what Danny is about to say. Relief hits, because Danny isn't actually hurt, he just doesn't what to hurt him. The words 'Isabel' and 'shot' are the only ones that register before the relief turns to realisation and Danny pulls him into a fierce, hug. The guilt is unbearable, but Danny just nods at him and silently promises to share the heartache.

Five

The first time Rusty's wife meets Danny she can't understand how he knows what Rusty wants to eat. When they begin to finish each other's sentences she gets confused, irritated, and then sad. Danny is charming, friendly and polite. But she hates him straight away because already, Rusty's forgotten her. His eyes never leave Danny. And Rusty knows things too. He knows what Danny wants to drink, which hotel he just might stay in and what film the restaurant reminds him of. It doesn't take her long to realise that, although she has the ring, someone else has Rusty's heart.

Six

The job is a tempting one. If he accepted, he would be working with old friends that he hadn't seen for years; Livingston, Turk, Basher. The plans of the bank look simple enough; he could navigate the place with his eyes shut. Danny sighs and glances over at Tess. She thinks he's going to do it, she thinks he's going to be weak, going to give in. She always had underestimated his will power. Danny isn't going to pull this job, or any other one. Because he made a promise, not to Tess, but to him. He won't break it.

Seven

Rusty has to admit that, when it comes to Danny, his judgement is clouded. He tends to see things through rose coloured glasses. So he knows that maybe it's worse than he thinks it is. But even so, he thinks that Tess is being a little harsh. Throwing Danny out of the house just because the job had been a little bit more dangerous than Danny had let on. Then Danny shows up, bag in one hand, DVD's in the other. Danny leans in, kisses him, soft and sincere, Rusty realises Tess throwing Danny out was never about the job.

Thanks for reading.